Tris buffers are widely used for DNA agarose electrophoresis. The two main buffers are TBE (Tris borate/EDTA) and TAE (Tris acetate/EDTA). Although there are some differences in the resolution of different forms of DNA and their mobility during electrophoresis, these Tris buffers can generally be used interchangeably.

Application

Tris, or tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane, is a common biological buffer, used throughout the DNA extraction process. During extraction from any number of sources, DNA is pH sensitive. During cell lysis, removal of unwanted cellular components and precipitation, tris is used to maintain a stable pH.